A Chemical Image Analysis Procedure as a Method for a Quantitative Modal Analysis of Clinker Minerals

In a chemical image analysis procedure, the specimen is analyzed in a scanning electron microscope in backscatter mode, thus providing an atomic number contrast. The phases are segmented into a few binaries according to their gray levels, which, in turn, corresponds to their average chemical compositions. However, as some phases may have similar gray levels, this kinds of segmentation is not sufficient. Thus, for better accuracy, a second step is employed. Each grain in every binary is scanned individually and classified according to its specific X-ray emission. Illustration is provided for setting up binaries and refining the results by analyzing each grain separately.